The Traffic

FG Orders WAEC, NECO to Go 100% Digital by 2026

By Achimi Muktar

In a move that will revolutionize Nigeria’s education system, the Federal Government has ordered WAEC and NECO to fully transition to computer-based testing (CBT) by 2026.

The directive was issued by Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during his recent inspection of the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted by JAMB — Nigeria’s pioneer in CBT innovation.

Alausa disclosed that the digital migration will begin in November 2025, when WAEC and NECO will first introduce CBT for objective papers. But that's just the beginning: by the May/June 2026 examination season, both councils must administer all exam components—including essays—completely online.

“We have seen the success of CBT with JAMB. It's time for WAEC and NECO to follow suit and ensure that our examination system matches global best practices,” Alausa stated.

The announcement has sparked widespread reactions among students, educators, and parents. Many view it as a much-needed modernization of the country’s exam system, while others have raised concerns about access to reliable technology, especially in rural areas.

Regardless, the government appears determined to drive this digital transformation, promising to work with education stakeholders to upgrade infrastructure and training ahead of the deadline.

If implemented successfully, this shift will mark a historic end to paper-and-pencil testing for millions of Nigerian students, ushering in a new era of speed, transparency, and efficiency in national examinations.